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Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
8 Jun 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
50
Email verified
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Details
Description
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Salut! My name is Stef. I'm a 43 year old Dutch man and live with my 3 young kids on an old farm in a beautiful regional park in France. The house and garden were neglected for 20 years before I bought it six years ago. The property is 7000 m² (1.7 acres) and is a mix of wild areas and parts that I've tamed, though they always seem to want to escape and explode again. I now live in the house, but there's still plenty of work to do, ranging from clearing and pruning to rebuilding old stone walls, landscaping, painting, and maintaining the garden.
I've been living in the Morvan for ten years and have three young children aged 4, 7, and 9. I also have a dog and a cat who are part of the family. I'm a single dad, and my kids and I alternate weeks with their other parent, which means that on some weeks you may be staying in the house just with me. I want women especially to know this upfront, so you can make an informed choice about whether this setup feels right for you.
I'm looking for 1-2 people to help out, starting as soon as possible. There's a good mix of outdoor and indoor work depending on the weather and your interests.
In the garden, there's weeding, pruning, and general maintenance. This year I'm setting up a vegetable garden, so there's planting and preparation work involved.
Around the house, there are some satisfying craft projects: sewing curtains and reupholstering a chair. If you have those skills, brilliant — if not, we can learn together.
Housesitting: I'm specifically looking for someone available the last week of August to housesit while I'm on holiday. Another Workawayer, a woman, will already be here that week and would prefer not to be alone. Ideally I'm looking for a woman with a car to join her for this period.
You're always welcome to suggest jobs that you notice and would like to do. I love learning from your skills and putting them to good use.
It's a big plus if you enjoy cooking and are familiar with vegetarian or vegan cooking. I'm vegan, and my kids eat mostly vegetarian meals. We don't eat meat and fish.
Before the pandemic, I hosted many Workawayers and loved getting to know new people. I'm so grateful for all the work they've done. With three small kids, life is busy, and there's always more to do than I can handle alone. I welcome people of all ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and genders.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
Interests
Hitchhiking
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Culture
Technology
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Pets
Movies & TV
Van life
Self development
History
Plant care
Music
Languages
Gardening
Carpentry
Cooking & food
Books
Art & design
Animals
Outdoor activities
Camping
Fitness
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Cycling
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I can offer you an insight into two cultures—mostly Dutch, but also French. You’ll experience what it’s like to set up a homestead and live life at a slower pace, which is something I strive for. I’m very intentional about how I live and why I chose to live here. My English is good, I speak Dutch of course, and I’m learning French. My children speak both Dutch and French.
I’m happy to share my skills with you and encourage you to think about how you want to approach a task. I won’t act like a ‘boss’; instead, I’ll work alongside you. A lot of the work I do is figured out on the spot, so there’s room for creativity and flexibility. I’m also happy to share my experiences about living in the countryside, moving to a different country, working remotely, and running your own business.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
My terrain is a diamond in the rough: it has great features but was neglected for 20 years. The help outside mainly involves clearing weeds and bushes, pruning, planting and painting. On rainy days, we might make jam or other preserves if it’s in season. The tasks depend on your physical strength and your interests.
Since I also have a job, I’m only able to work alongside you 2-3 days a week. On the other 2-3 days, you’ll need to undertake the tasks independently. You’ll have days off during the week, as the weekend is when I’m also free to join you in the work.
If you enjoy cooking, I’d love it if you could help out every now and then, sharing recipes and cuisines. Babysitting isn’t required, but it’s a big plus if you’re comfortable with children, as my kids are outgoing and love meeting new people. :)
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
In the colder months, you'll stay in a spacious guest room inside the house, which has been fully renovated with underfloor heating throughout — warm and comfortable. Do keep in mind that the room doubles as my home office on weekdays, so I'll be working there during the day (9–5). If multiple volunteers of the same sex are staying at the same time, I'll ask you to share the room, as it has several beds. You'll have access to the indoor bathroom.
From mid-June onwards, a Safari tent becomes available — think less "camping", more "cosy standalone retreat". It's yours whenever it's not rented out to guests. If it is occupied, you'll stay in a large canvas tent. Both are in the back garden, just steps from the house. The canvas tent is tall enough to stand in, with two proper beds and mattresses and a small kitchen area. Outside showers are available during the warmer months.
Whichever you're staying in, you're always welcome to use the main kitchen, living room and downstairs toilet.
What else ...
The region offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, and there are beautiful lakes where you can swim. There’s also a horse-riding ranch nearby. I live 20 minutes by car from a lovely historical town with restaurants, a cinema, and a weekly market. The town was founded by the Romans, and there are still many historical monuments to explore. Since there’s no public transport, you’ll need a car to get around. I’d also be happy to show you the most beautiful hike in the region.
I cook mostly vegan and vegetarian meals. I’d appreciate it if you’d join me in this. I’m not very strict, but I try to eat as healthily as possible. I don't drink alcohol and focus on fresh produce, simple meals, and limit processed food, sugar, and other unhealthy ingredients.
Important note: I have three young children (ages 4, 7, and 9) who live with me part-time. Due to my responsibility as a parent, I'm unable to host anyone with active substance dependencies, including alcohol and cigarettes. I'm looking for workawayers who are comfortable in a family environment and can be positive role models around children.
I work from home most of the time as a web developer, so I’ll be able to assist you with the work. I prefer to give you your days off during the week, as weekends are when I have more time to work alongside you. Wednesdays are our ‘family day,’ when everyone is at home, so I usually keep that day free for family time.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have a 1gbit connection and have a great wired and wireless network in the house and the garden. I'm a web developer by trade, so I know my stuff.
Space for parking camper vans
We have a big parking space at the front of the house. Comes with a nice view, electricity and wifi.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Conan
Pip
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (22)
And… read more
He was a great cook and was constantly baking pies and desserts, which was always a nice surprise.
I would welcome him back any… read more
She's open, funny and genuinely interested in you and your life. The conversations in the evenings and during meals were really valuable. She… read more
Unfortunately, I had to… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
And… read more
He was a great cook and was constantly baking pies and desserts, which was always a nice surprise.
I would welcome him back any… read more
She's open, funny and genuinely interested in you and your life. The conversations in the evenings and during meals were really valuable. She… read more
Unfortunately, I had to… read more
I was given freedom to choose whatever jobs I thought I could contribute the most to and chose mostly outdoor work (the weather was fantastic) - driving the tractor around,… read more
He's a funny guy with interesting stories about his home country,… read more
It was fun to… read more
From the moment I arrived, he made me feel very welcome and at ease. He is a really funny and warm person who took a lot of care to make sure I was comfortable and happy.
He is a great cook and very knowledgable on all kinds of ferments, his kitchen is also super well-equipped which made cooking a delight… read more
I believe Stef perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Workaway; sure, there's a job to be done, but more important to him is that you have a great experience while you're out there. He's not strict or rigid, and everything is done on trust and… read more
He worked on building the compost toilet and brought solid woodshop skills to the project. What really made him stand out was his personality - genuinely funny and kept… read more
He took me in last minute and was very responsive and flexible while I tried to figure out my travel plans. His house is beautiful and I got to stay in a large Yurt next to the house with plenty of accommodations. The work was fun and interesting and Stef was always willing and patient to help… read more
What stood out most was how he connected with my oldest daughter; giving her piano lessons and playing games with her.
He also helped keep the kitchen tidy… read more
He was always caring for workers if they’re doing well.
We would watch some movies in the night or play games. (I watched so many good movies.)He also took me to Autun and could see many of historical relics from the Roman empire which was fascinating.
I mainly helped Stef with constructing… read more
He makes the best sourdough bread I’ve ever had. He even took the time to teach… read more
Petra was fantastic with my children - they got along really well and she even helped patiently with removing lice from their hair (not the most pleasant task, but she did it without complaint!).
In the kitchen, she was a star. Her vegan cooking was absolutely… read more
While they were here they were training for an ultramarathon, and we went running… read more
We worked on the construction of a compost toilet, did other maintaining projects around the house, helped keeping the house clean and cooked… read more
The first month, we were together, and their two lovely children played well with mine. After the period they house-sat, I noticed how my dog Pip was more drawn to them, which indicated how… read more
Maija & Janis
